Self help research

Self help groups 

A range of research has been undertaken into self help or peer support groups since the 1960s and continues today.  Elements studied include:

• shared identity
• lifecycle of self help groups
• online groups
• self-management for long term conditions
• peer support benefits for mental health issues

We are currently working with Nottingham Trent University research team to design research into what makes groups sustainable.

We worked with Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Nottingham on research into the role of professionals in peer support groups - ESTEEM.

Patient Activation Measures

Patient activation describes the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health and care. This is a relatively new research area.

Social prescribing

Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. This is an emerging research area.  Recent studies